The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA) has Named Economic Development Executive George Hanus as its New President and Chief Operating Officer

Hanus, who has extensive Canadian and international experience, will assume the post on January 18, 2010

"We are delighted that George has agreed to take on the challenge of solidifying GTMA's role as the Greater Toronto Area's lead international marketing arm," said GTMA Chairman and CEO Lou Milrad. "His economic development experience and international contacts in a number of our key target industry sectors will be not only a tremendous asset to our organization over the long term, but will enable him to hit the ground running in his new leadership role."

Hanus comes to the GTMA from a 2½ year posting as Director, ICT and Advanced Manufacturing in Investment Attraction at TRRA-Toronto Region Research Alliance. He previously spent over 25 years in economic development and investment attraction for Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, including postings in Munich and Frankfort, Germany. His experience encompasses the advanced manufacturing, plastics, ICT, energy, green-tech, automotive and life sciences sectors.

Over the years, Hanus has helped hundreds of foreign companies learn about the advantages of Ontario and the GTA as investment locations. In collaboration with numerous partner organizations, his efforts have brought tens of millions of dollars in investments and hundreds of new jobs to Ontario. Hanus, who speaks five languages, holds an MBA in international business and marketing and a B.Eng. (Mechanical) from McGill University.

"We had tremendous interest in this position from a large group of very qualified candidates." said Don Macintosh, a partner at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP and Chair of the GTMA's search committee. "George stood out for his experience, extensive network of international connections, and collaborative leadership style. We are confident that we have the right person for the job."

Hanus will assume control over the GTMA's day-to-day operations with a special emphasis on partner relations and investment attraction. These duties were held for the past two years by GTMA Chair and CEO Lou Milrad while the organization established new organizational priorities and undertook the search process.

Game Connection Lyon - December 8-10

On behalf of the Ontario Technology Corridor (OTC), Gerald Pisarzowski, Vice-President of Business Development for the GTMA, and Larry MacKinnon, Director, Business Development (Technology) for the London Economic Development Corporation, attended the 2009 Lyon Game Connection Conference. In interactive digital media, Game Connection is perhaps the most business development-oriented of all conferences, focused on pre-arranged, back-to-back 30 minute meetings between interested parties. For the OTC, it was a chance to meet face-to-face with dozens of companies with an interest in investing in the OTC.

One of the hot topics at Game Connection Lyon was Ubisoft's major investment in Ontario, with a number of media outlets reporting on it. At the conference, Gamers Daily News (GDN) interviewed Gerald Pisarzowski in regards to the Ubisoft Toronto deal. To see the full interview, please click here. To see the other news reports on this deal, and other OTC news, please click here.

The OTC looks to build upon the success of this conference by attending the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco in March 2010.

Ontario Technology Corridor (OTC) is Awarded by IEDC for Excellence in Economic Development

The Ontario Technology Corridor (OTC) partnership program between Greater Toronto Area (GTMA), Ottawa Region, Waterloo Region, City of London and Niagara Region, received the Regionalism and Cross-border Collaboration award for cities with a population greater than 200,000, at the 2009 International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Awards. A panel of economic development experts consisting of members from both the public and private sectors selected the project.

"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. "As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We proudly present this award in recognition of OTC's significant impact during these difficult times."

The IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognizes the world's best economic development programs, partnerships and marketing materials including the use of the internet and new media.

The OTC is fast becoming a global model for "co-opitition"; creating an environment where communities that normally might act independently as competitors are able to work together to leverage complementary strengths and achieve a common benefit.

The GTMA was a founding member of the OTC and continues to play an integral role in it. For more information about the OTC, please visit the OTC website.

In 2008, the GTMA held its Inaugural Celebration of Communities Golf Tournament. Last year’s event was a huge success, bringing together Mayors, Regional Chairs, and business leaders in celebration of regional unity and collaboration. This success would not have been the case without the support, involvement and the commitment of all those involved and who saw the tremendous benefit in being part of this celebration. A portion of the monies raised allowed the GTMA to support its ongoing college and university co-op placement program. It was a win-win scenario for all!

2008 Golf Event Photo Gallery

On behalf of our co-chairs: Minister Sandra Pupatello, Larry Tanenbaum, and Hari Panday, the GTMA invites you to SAVE THE DATE and join us on Thursday, June 17, 2010 for the GTMA 2010 Celebration of GTA Communities Golf Event.

Past International Leaders Breakfast Club – December 8

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, GTMA's International Leaders Breakfast Club was delighted to present a discussion on Building Smarter Cities in the GTA with the use of innovative and new technologies. The presentation was held at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre and anchored by keynote speakers: Kim Devooght, Vice President, Public Sector, IBM Canada, and our international guest speaker, UK-based Nick Hayes, International Director, BRE. An impressive array of business and community leaders gathered to hear how IBM's innovative technology to build Smarter Infrastructure has increased productivity and efficiency while driving down costs in all sectors. Our international guest speaker provided examples of how they assisted high end retailers and the UK government transform their operations to achieve exceptional sustainable and economic success. Guests enjoyed a morning of business networking opportunity connecting with a broad range of stakeholders from across the GTA, including Consul Generals, GTMA board members, staff and other business dignitaries. The GTMA would like to thank: Metrolinx, the event's Platinum Sponsor; IBM, the Gold Sponsor; Compass, Chef's Catering and Canadian Business, the Bronze Sponsors – all contributed to making this event a success.

For more information, contact Michelle Cortez, Program Coordinator, GTMA, at 416-360-4223 or mcortez@greatertoronto.org

Solar module maker Canadian Solar Inc. is preparing to establish a manufacturing facility in Ontario that will create 500 direct jobs to take advantage of a provincial green-energy program that mandates local content.  more…

Councillor Kyle Rae (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) unveils a street sign to honour the Canadian business titan and communications industry pioneer Ted Rogers.  more…

Start-Up Business of the Year Recognized

Brampton's Start-Up Business of the Year (SUBY) was awarded yesterday by the City of Brampton's Small Business Enterprise Centre. Practical Energy, which specializes in the retail of GeoThermal heating and cooling systems, was recognized during the Enterprise Centre's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Drop-In celebrations.more…

New head named for Invest Toronto

Four months after a fatal interaction with a cyclist forced former MP Michael Bryant to step down as head of Invest Toronto, the company's board, tasked with boosting Toronto at home and abroad, has announced a replacement. The board of directors voted unanimously to hire Renato Discenza, until recently the senior vice president of Technology and IT Projects at Infrastructure Ontario. He's also a former board member of Waterfront Toronto, has advised Metrolinx, the regional transit body and has worked with Bell Canada as Ontario's Executive Sponsor.

Mayor David Miller, who chairs Invest Toronto's board, said Discenza's public and private-sector experience makes a perfect bridge between public and private sector interests to build a stronger economy in Toronto.

"Renato brings the kind of skill, experience, talent and expertise Toronto needs to become an even more attractive and competitive city for businesses looking to invest, grow and prosper," said Miller. "Renato has keen business acumen in addition to public and private sector experience, having served recently in senior positions with Infrastructure Ontario and Bell Canada. He is well equipped to better connect Toronto to the global economy and ensure we succeed."

Enbridge Gas Distribution President Janet Holder Named One of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100. more…

The City of Burlington has named long-time city employee Kim Phillips the new general manager of corporate services effective Dec. 15, replacing Bob Carrington who retired earlier this year.  more…

The fair will feature the following products:

For any further information, please contact:
International Garment Fair Association
C/o Apparel Export Promotion Council
Apparel House, Institutional Area, Sector-44, Gurgaon-122003, Haryana, India
Tel: +91.124.2708000-03
Fax: 91-124-2708004-05
Email: signature@gjepcindia.com
http://www.indiaapparelfair.com

The focus of the Summit would be on Infrastructure – Airports, Ports, Roads, Railways, Energy – Thermal, Solar, Renewable, Services – Financial, Healthcare and Education, Technology – Bio-Tech, Agro and Food Processing. more...

This conference will provide information on new technological developments, to provide guidance and assistance in selection of appropriate technology and identifying partners for technology transfers and contract manufacturing. Experts from different fields of activity from India and abroad will share their experience, expertise on the functionality of various technologies, the pros and cons of selecting and adopting them for a particular industry. more...

INDIASOFT is a benchmark for showcasing and seeking India's tremendous potentials in IT services and solutions. There will be a world of innovations being displayed by Indian IT services companies at the event. The main focus of INDIASOFT 2010 is on "Embedded Software, E-Governance, Software Services and IT Enabled Services." The fair will be marked by the presence of IT professionals, CEO's, etc from across the globe as well as host of renowned Indian companies.

For any further information, please contact:
Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC)
3rd Floor, PHD House, Opp. Asiad Village, New Delhi-110016, India
Tel: +91.11.4748.0000
Fax: +91.11.2685.3412
Email: vikrant@escindia.com
http://www.indiasoft.org

DLRL/IMP/200990006

The Defence Electronic Research Laboratory (DLRL), Hyderabad, India invites sealed tenders for “Supply of 68 Channel, 2GHz Sate Speed Logic Analyzer” from the manufacturers/suppliers as per details below:

For any further information, please contact:
Defence Electronics research Laboratory
Government of India
Ministry of Defence
R&D Organisation
Chandrayangutta Lines, Keshogiri (PO), Hyderabad-500005, India
Tel: +91.40.2458.2390, 2458.2394
Fax: +91.40.2444.0525
www.drdo.org

The closing of tender is on 18 January, 2010 up to 1600 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened on 19th January, 2010 at 1100 hrs (IST).

01095/CP/FRD/L-269/RADL/09-10/02-09

The Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO) Complex, India invites sealed tenders (separate price bid and techno commercial bid) for “Development of AAAU for AESA Radar” from the manufacturers/suppliers as per details below:

EMD: 2% of the quoted value towards EMD subject to a maximum of Rs. 2 lakhs to be enclosed along with the price bid indicating the details in the technocommercial bid.

Tender Fee: Rs. 500/- (INR)
Quantity: 10 Nos.

For any further information, please contact
Electronic & Radar Development Establishment
Ministry of Defence, DRDO
P.B. No. 9324, C.V. Raman Nagar, Bangalore-560093, India
Fax: +91.80.25242916
Email: irde@vsnl.com
www.drdo.org

The closing of tender is on 10 March, 2010 up to 1600 hrs (IST) and the tender will be opened at 1000 hrs (IST) on the next working day.

In order to succeed in our efforts to generate economic development, we work hard to build strong partnerships with the private sector which are of mutual benefit:

• Access to new business:  we provide trigger point of access to companies as they first enter the North American market.
• Monthly events:  we can offer access to decision makers in public, private, education and consular sectors through sponsorship of our sold out (120+ attendees) International Leadership Breakfast Club (ILBC).
• Special tailored events:  the higher partnership levels will provide an additional speaking platform to promote your company’s thought leadership programs.
• Flexibility:  as a growing organization, we will work with you to build partnership programs of mutual benefit.
• Networking:  As a partner, you will be able to build business connections with other GTMA partners.

What your company offers the GTMA

• Thought leadership: your depth of research on economic development issues, particularly in current economic conditions, would be of great value to our community.
• Introductions to the GTMA: Your network could introduce us to companies in our key markets that might want to establish a footprint in the GTA to serve you better and access NAFTA.
• Value proposition to investors:  your leadership brings great value to the investment table in attracting investment and new business to the GTA.

The on-going support and participation of the private sector is essential to the success of the GTMA. We encourage you to consider using the products and services of the GTMA’s corporate partners.

REMINDER:  Online GTMA Alliance Membership

If you are new to the GTMA and wish to be more actively involved, we have introduced a one-year entry level membership which will provide an opportunity during your first year to learn more about the organization and meet its key partners and stakeholders, as well as, received additional benefits through a pre-paid subscription to various GTMA local networking events. The membership cost is $1,000 and includes:

• Free Annual Participation in ten International Leadership Breakfast Club Events ($250)
• Free Participation in GTMA’s Fall and Spring Luncheons ($180)
• Free Participation in the Branham 300 Report Launch ($75)
• Promotional Banner on GTMA’s Website ($250)
• Listing in Resource Guide
• Annual Certificate of Membership
• 10% Discounts on all GTMA Events, Missions and Related Programs
• Use of GTMA Logo on Corporate Materials

Become an Alliance Member

For information on becoming a GTMA partner, contact Pamela Denecky at
T: 416-360-6701 or E: pdenecky@greatertoronto.org

View complete listing of GTMA Partner’s Resources and Services